I Flew From the US to Turkey for a Hair Transplant Earlier than My Marriage ceremony

This story relies on an interview with Nicole Ethridge, 39, a Southern Marylander who works in finance and can also be an influencer. It has been edited for size and readability.

My hair had at all times been skinny, however I first observed it popping out quickly after the start of my daughter, now 19.

It was primarily on the entrance, which made it noticeable. I used to be self-conscious and notably hated going to hairdressing salons, the place it was unattainable to cover the issue.

The dermatologist recognized me with traction alopecia, typically attributable to tight hairstyles and different issues that pull in your hair.

I began carrying wigs

I began wearing wigs that mimic your hairline. They had been costly, starting from $300 to $700, however they do not final ceaselessly. I’d undergo as many as 9 a 12 months.

The expense motivated me to start making my very own wigs, which I began to promote to different girls in the identical place.

However, I nonetheless did not really feel like myself as a result of it wasn’t my actual, pure hair.

I attempted each remedy below the solar, similar to lotions and ointments. They included an FDA-approved over-the-counter hair progress complement. I did not have excessive hopes that it might work, nevertheless it truly introduced a few of my hair again.

Still, I felt it wasn’t sufficient. My consideration turned to getting a hair transplant.

I discovered a clinic in Istanbul

I regarded into having the process within the US. The costs had been upward of $13,000, and I did not have the finances.

I knew some individuals traveled overseas to get it achieved far more cheaply, and I considered Mexico. I used to be postpone as a result of after I did my analysis, I did not discover many testimonials from African Americans.

Turkey appeared like a greater choice, and I noticed that plenty of sufferers who regarded like me had been going to a selected clinic in Istanbul.

I collaborated with an transnational facilitator called Doctours, who linked me with the clinic and organized my remedy and resort lodging. As an influencer, I paid 50% of the quoted $2,600 value.

My flights had been further at $1,250, and I traveled in August 2025. Although I used to be excited, I used to be nervous on the airplane as a result of my mates advised me I used to be taking a danger going to Turkey.

Nevertheless, I used to be prepared to take that danger. I needed to be freed from the wigs and hair wraps for good.

My head was shaved

The solely components of the method that damage had been the injections to numb my scalp. I used to be totally awake, mendacity down, both listening to music or being alone with my ideas.

The medical workforce extracted particular person follicles from the again of my head and moved them to the issue space. It’s non-compulsory, however I selected to have my head totally shaved beforehand as a result of I needed the expertise to be extra sterile.

I got here again the next day for a specialised hair-washing remedy. They suggested me on repairs. All in all, I spent 4 days in Istanbul.

My hair began to develop again inside 4 months, however there wasn’t a wow issue at that stage. There was an enormous distinction on the six-month mark.

I’m getting married subsequent 12 months

I began going out with a wig — one thing I hadn’t achieved for almost 20 years — and felt assured about my look. Now my hair is pixie size, which I really like.

My fiancé and I are getting married subsequent 12 months. It makes me completely happy to suppose I’ll have a pleasant head of hair for the wedding.

Maybe I’ll have a bob by then. It would not matter, although. I lastly really feel pleased with how I feel and look.